The Nike Air Jordan 1 was introduced in 1985 as the first signature sneaker for Michael Jordan, who had just entered the NBA with the Chicago Bulls. Designed by Peter Moore, it revolutionized the basketball shoe industry with its high-top silhouette, bold colorways, and innovative use of the Nike Air technology. The arrival of Michael Jordan in the NBA would change basketball, sneakers, and fashion for the rest of time.
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Banned By the NBA
One of the most iconic moments in Air Jordan 1 history occurred when the NBA banned the black and red colorway of the shoe for not meeting the league’s “uniformity of uniform” standards. Michael Jordan never actually wore the black/red Air Jordan 1’s in a game, though Nike was willing to pay the $5,000 fine if he did. Jordan did rock them in the NBA Slam Dunk contest though. This controversy only heightened the popularity of the Air Jordan 1.
The Air Jordan 1 played a crucial role in shaping streetwear and sneaker culture. Its association with Michael Jordan’s success and rebellious image contributed to its status as more than just a basketball shoe; it became a style symbol and for plenty of people, their favorite Jordan.
Collaboration and Colorways
The Air Jordan 1s gained immense popularity not only for their performance on the basketball court but also as a fashionable and iconic sneaker off the court. Over the years, numerous colorways and collaborations have been released, making the Air Jordan 1 one of the most sought-after and collectible sneaker models in the sneakerhead community.
There is an extensive catalog of colorways, and basically every stylish celebrity – from actors to music’s biggest stars – have worn them. Both the OG colorways and more recent collabs like the one by J Balvin or Virgil Abloh are popular.
The shoe’s design has been influential in streetwear and fashion culture, and it continues to be re-released in various color schemes, special editions, and collaborations, contributing to its enduring popularity in both the sports and fashion world. Many will argue, and I can’t disagree – of all the best Air Jordans, it is the best Jordan sneaker ever made.
High vs Mid vs Low
If you’re getting in Air Jordans for the first time, there is plenty to learn. Back in 1985 – ’86, Nike released a ton of Air Jordan 1 colorways, both in a mid-cut and low-cut version. It’s actually up for debate how many total colors released, since Nike launched different colors in different countries and barely anyone was collecting sneakers back then.
As Nike has continued to retro the Air Jordan 1 over time, the OG Air Jordan 1 mid grew taller and taller, and is now considered the “High.” Jordan Brand also started making a shortened high-top version which became known as the “Mid.” That may seem a bit confusing, so don’t worry about it too much. Basically all you need to know is that you can purchase the Air Jordan 1 in a low, mid and high cut.
How to Wear Jordan 1 Guide
The Air Jordan 1 has been one of my favorite pair of sneakers for years. I find it to be one of the most versatile models because of its original look – you can wear it with anything from shorts to jeans to sweats to suit pants.
As you know, a large part of your outfit combinations come from the sneakers you choose. There are so many different sneaker options – from white or black Chucks, to Nike Dunks, to a black or white Air Force 1. From one classic sneaker to the next, there are plenty of choices. But a pair of Jordan 1’s is always the best way to take your outfit to the next step. You can wear them to work, the gym, or to a restaurant.
Finding the right pair of pants isn’t always easy, so here I break down my 5 favorite outfit ideas on how to style Air Jordan 1’s so you can put together your best outfit.
Nike SB Cargo Pants
I’ve been watching the guys at Nike rock their Jordan 1’s with SB camouflage cargos for years now. These pants come with string ties at the bottom, so you can either tighten them up, cuff them, or just leave them as is (depending on your height). I typically wear these on Saturdays when I’m running errands or doing work around the house.
Camo pants are great for many reasons: they’re durable, versatile, and don’t really go out of style. You can typically wear them all four seasons as well. I wear mine rolled down with a parka in the winter, and they’re easy to wear with just a tee shirt in the summer time. For years, sneakerheads typically rolled their pants up to show off the whole shoe, but the current trend is to wear your pants baggier and draped over your Jordans. A Jordan 1 with neutral colors is best for camo because the pants are usually busy enough.
Straight Leg Lightwash Denim
Skinny jeans are out, and straight leg / baggy jeans are in. There are not many more combos more classic than some baggy jeans and Air Jordan 1’s. Throwing on a pair of jeans is one of the easiest ways to rock the Air Jordan 1.
The most popular straight / baggy jean is the Levi’s 501. This blue jean is a classic cut with the back leather Levi’s patch and red by the back pocket. You can get these jeans in basically every shade of blue plus black, and they all go great with Air Jordan 1’s. You can purchase a standard pair of Levi’s blue jeans for around $50, or you can get a higher quality pair for $200. This is by far one of the best ways to wear the Air Jordan 1. Pair the look with a graphic t-shirt or simple black tee, add a statement jacket, and you’re good to go.
And if you’re over 40 and looking for a great pair of jeans, check out my curated list here.
Nike Sportswear Track Pants
There are a lot of track pant options out there for men, and I have always preferred those made by Nike Sportswear. I even have a pair from the Fear of God collab they did back when Jerry Lorenzo was working with Nike.
Though skinny jeans aren’t as popular anymore, guys are still permitted to wear track pants. They always look great with sneakers, and they are easy to pull on when you’re out running errands and need a relaxed, laid-back look. Pair them with a graphic tee and hoody, and you’re headed in the right direction.
Pleated Trousers
I never thought I’d wear pleated trousers, yet I now own two pairs. Men started posting themselves in these old-fashioned pants last year with cabana shirts and chunky loafers, and the look has really taken off. Now, it’s completely acceptable to wear a pleated trouser with sneakers.
The Air Jordan 1 looks great with the trouser covering the whole top of the shoe. Uniqlo makes a great pair for just $50. I wear mine with a chunky sweater and a puffer vest in the winter, and plan to wear them with some vintage Nike tennis polo shirts in the summer. An Air Jordan 1 with a bright color will really make the shoes pop against a black pair of trousers.
Chinos
The Air Jordan 1 looks particularly good with chinos. If you’re lucky enough to own a pair of the Travis Scott Air Jordan 1’s, this would be a great pair to wear with a pair of chinos. For the rest of your outfit, you can rock a flannel or a hoody. Chinos come in many different cuts, but right now the relaxed fit chino is an easy way to pair them with the high Jordan or the low cut. If you don’t want to wear the chino over your shoes, a great way to wear them is to roll them up once or twice for a cleaner look.
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